Frank Kalcich

Funeral services for Frank Kalcich, 86, of Sperry, were held Friday, November 30, 2018 at Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sperry, OK. Apostle Roger Tracy, Elder C. H. Whiteman and High Priest Elbert Rogers officiated, and burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Honorary casket bearers were Alex Tibbitts, Parker Tibbitts, Caleb Kalcich, Joshua Kalcich, Matthew Kalcich, and Caitlyn Kalcich

Frank was born October 16, 1932 in Jasper, AR to Frank and Mary (Kovach) Kalcich. He passed away November 22, 2018 in Tulsa, OK.

He was the fourth child, first son, of seven children. When he reached the age of 17, he persuaded his mother to sign for him to join the United States Air Force. He entered the service February 1950 and was honorably discharged in November 1953. He earned his GED while serving in the Air Force. Frank joined the Air Force expecting to fly and was sent to Germany on a ship. Ironically, he returned home on a ship while Army personnel were flown to Germany. So much for his plans to fly.

After leaving the service, Frank moved to Tulsa to attend Oklahoma State University at Okmulgee. While attending school, he lived with his sister, Jo, and her family. He paid for his room and board by helping take care of his sister's four children.

In March 1960 he married Vonna Taylor and they made their home in Sperry, where they raised their three children, Cynthia, Michael and Deanna. Frank served on the Sperry Town Board and also served as Mayor for five years. He coached girls' softball for several years, and was a volunteer firefighter for 14 years.

Frank retired from Yellow Freight System in September 1993. Family was very important to Frank, and he loved them dearly. His love for his country knew no bounds, and he never failed to salute the United States flag. Frank was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4894.

He is survived by his wife, Vonna; daughters, Cynthia Tibbitts and Deanna Kalcich; son, Michael Kalcich and wife Jamie; grandchildren, Alex Tibbitts, Parker Tibbitts, Caleb Kalcich, Joshua Kalcich, Matthew Kalcich and Caitlyn Kalcich; sisters, Frances Hales, Mitzi Kalcich and Mildred Hall; numerous nephews and nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, Frank Kalcich; mother, Mary Kovach Kalcich; brothers, Johnny Kalcich and Phillip Kalcich; and his sister, Jo Simpson.